Is music criticism “ageist”?

Every Wednesday at noon, Ryan Schleicher, Evan Rytlewski, and Matt Wild take to the WMSE airwaves to discuss all things Milwaukee. This half-hour fun-fest is called The Disclaimer, so named because none of the oft-ridiculous views expressed on the show necessarily reflect the views of the hosts’ employers. Milwaukee music, Milwaukee art, Milwaukee events, and D.I.Y. lawn care tips are frequently discussed—and rarely agreed upon. The Disclaimer: Talk radio for the sane.

In an art form increasingly created by and marketed to the young, does music have a problem with age? What about music criticism, which seems to casually and gleefully dismiss anyone over 40 (30?) who dares to release new music? In a recent Pitchfork review, the line “It’s borderline inconceivable that a white, male, 40-something artist could bring a refreshing perspective to a traditional genre,” is casually dropped as though it’s conventional wisdom, and reviews of last weekend’s “Oldchella” continually focused on the breaking news that the performers were, well, old. “Amazed by how ageism continues to go unchecked in most music writing,” tweeted former Milwaukeean Steven Hyden. “Artists over 40 are explicitly, and proudly, dismissed consistently.” Ryan, Evan, and Matt look into the perceived problem, and also give a shout-out to the recently wrapped 2016 Milwaukee Film Festival.

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